Shimmering with pale garnet and vermilion hues, the 2021 Matthews Horse Heaven Hills Claret captivates with its elegance and depth. Enticing aromas of crushed rock, ripe black and blue fruits, sarsaparilla, and delicate spring flowers are interlaced, hinting at the complexity within. On the palate, juicy black cherries meld with warm baking spices and nuanced cigar wrapper undertones, creating a harmonious flavor profile. Its sumptuous weight and texture are enhanced by fine-grained tannins, providing a luscious mouthfeel that is both refined and luxurious. Decadent notes of black licorice, melted caramel, and cocoa powder persist throughout the lingering finish, leaving a memorable impression.
Buy Now $90Vintages
Labeled Appellation
Varietal(s)
68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc
Vinification
Primary 10-14 days in stainless steel tanks, spending 30+ days on skins. Each parcel was hand-sorted from the vineyard, with gentle fermentation and extended maceration culminating in over 30+ days. Cellared in 100% new French oak for 21 months
Alcohol
15.1%
Cases Produced
283
Vintage Notes
The 2021 vintage was characterized by below-average precipitation in the winter, early bud break in late March, and moderately early bloom under hot and windy conditions in late May and early June. Bloom conditions produced small berries, clusters, and low yields. Veraison started early, but was completed on a typical timeline. The famous “heat dome” event of late June shattered high temperature records across all regions and was truly the most defining weather event of the vintage. High temperatures through veraison initiated sugar advancement, yet flavor development and phenolic ripeness lagged. Acidity was low compared to average. Patience was rewarded for those that waited to harvest, as cool. fall temperatures allowed for flavor to catch up and sugar accumulation to plateau. Overall, the white wines from this vintage are expressive, ripe, and rich; the red wines display strong varietal typicity and are intensely concentrated with great structure. Harvest temperatures in September and October were characteristically cool, with few rain events and no early frost.
Expert Reviews & Scores